The Stone Roses are on that Venn diagram with Creed, Red House Painters, and The Smiths: fantastic musicians, shit person on vocals. You don’t need to be fastidious to find out everything wrong with Ian Brown, Scott Stapp, Mark Kozelek, and Moz. Even so, I try to listen to the music without giving much thought to their faults as persons.

Your star will shine was included as a b-side in Mexico for the Love Spreads single. As much as Love Spreads rocks out, mostly due to Squire, Reni, and Mani being gods, Your star will shine was the perfect way to get us Mexicans to fully understand the band: you have your rocking blues-based single, then you get your psychedelic love ballad. I don’t remember The Stone Roses making much of a splash here, and most people I hung with could name plenty of Blur, Oasis, and The Smiths tracks, but would draw blanks with The Stone Roses.

It’s a widespread joke to make fun of Second Coming, and Shaun of the Dead did it best, honest. I’m in the minority: I believe it’s their best album. A hard choice as their self-titled debut is a great album, I just don’t get the hype for it.

I did include this song in several mix cds, usually because it would fit perfectly as I needed a short song to fill up space. Blame it on my upbringing, I guess. If you can fill a CDr yo the brim, you bet your bippy you use every second.

Seldom did I receive feedback on the mix CDs I’d give away. On the odd occasions I would, your star will shine was a high point. I do miss making physical media for loved ones. Maybe one day.

-Sam J. Valdés López